The Chicago Bears had plenty of issues to sort out following the end of the preseason. For GM Ryan Poles, among the biggest was addressing the teams’ concerning depth along the interior offensive line. Both the center and guard positions have been hit by injuries over the past couple of weeks. It’s apparent they need another body in the mix, someone with starting experience if possible. Sure enough, Poles didn’t wait long to make a move. Miami Dolphins insider Jason Sarney and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune confirmed that Dan Feeney would be coming to the Bears via trade.
The immediate appeal of Feeney is his experience. He’s started 64 games since going in the 3rd round to the Chargers in 2017. He’s also played all three interior positions. That versatility is a huge benefit to the Bears since all three have experienced injury setbacks in the past month alone. He was a quality starter for L.A. in 2021, helping to allow only 31 sacks on Justin Herbert. Yet his greatest strength is his run-blocking. He brings a lot of nasty to the table and has the athleticism and quickness tailor-made for a zone scheme.
Feeney is a perfect fit for the Chicago Bears culture.
He’s known for being a vocal locker room leader, is fun to be around, works hard, and plays with the intensity this regime looks for. Best of all, he’s a local guy. Feeney grew up in Orland Park and went to school in Indiana. This will be a homecoming for him. He will likely back up all three interior positions. What remains unclear is if the Bears might be forced to play him immediately. The injury status of Lucas Patrick and Doug Kramer remains unclear. That means an emergency center might be needed.
Feeney’s experience at that position could prove immediately valuable. Nobody should expect him to be a savior. Feeney is a short-term solution to a current problem. The Chicago Bears paid a late round pick for a quality veteran that can help them in a pinch. There is nothing wrong with that. Good teams do it all the time.
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